Pubdate: Wed, 07 Nov 2001
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Copyright: 2001 Associated Press
Author: Andrew Selsky

COLOMBIA POLICE: DRUG RING BROKEN

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Colombia's secret police said Wednesday it 
broke up a cocaine- and weapons-smuggling ring linked to right-wing 
paramilitaries, but had not arrested any member of the outlawed 
militia group.

The announcement coincided with the departure of President Andres 
Pastrana for Washington, where he faces criticism that his government 
is not doing enough to combat the paramilitary force.

Col. German Jaramillo, director of the secret police, told reporters 
that 14 people were arrested, including Luis Alberto Castillo, a 
former mayor of San Bernardo village, located on an island in the 
Caribbean off Colombia's northwest coast.

None of the 14 belonged to the United Self-Defense Forces of 
Colombia, Jaramillo said, but he insisted the ring had ``tight 
links'' with the paramilitary group, which has been waging war 
against leftist rebels.

Jaramillo said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration provided 
technical assistance in the operation. He claimed the ring smuggled 
cocaine to Central America in boats and returned with rifles for the 
paramilitary group.

No DEA officials were present at the news conference. A U.S. 
official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was not aware 
of the operation.

Colombia is the world's main supplier of cocaine, exporting an 
estimated 500 tons a year.
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